Contemporary Craft is pleased to open applications for our two national artist residencies.
Contemporary Craft’s National Residency program supports artists working in small metals, jewelry, fibers, weaving, papermaking, book arts, and small-scale woodworking. Our National Residency (for artists living outside of a 100 mile radius of Pittsburgh, PA) is a four-month residency from September-December, 2026, or February-May, 2027. National Artists-in-Residence will receive free furnished housing in a four bedroom home just a quick three-minute drive from Contemporary Craft, a private studio at Contemporary Craft, and access to our fully equipped community Studio spaces.
The National Residency is an independent, studio-focused residency.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and must be a non-Pittsburgh resident.
- Applicants must work in a medium that can be supported by the Studios at Contemporary Craft. Artists working in small metals, jewelry, fibers, weaving, papermaking, book arts, and small-scale woodworking are encouraged to apply.
- Residents are responsible for travel to and from Pittsburgh.
- Residents must have their own car for transportation during the residency.
- Residents must bring all personal tools, equipment, and materials they need to complete their work (outside of tools available in the community Studio spaces).
- Residents will be required to select at least two options from the following menu to engage with the Contemporary Craft community during their residency:
- Teach a half-day or full-day workshop (residents will receive additional compensation for teaching above their residency stipend)
- Give and Artist Talk about their work and residency
- Sell work through the Store
- Engage with youth through Contemporary Craft’s community engagement programs
- Give an artist demo at a CC event
- Residents will be required to work one evening shift (5:30pm-9:30pm) per week to support workshops in the Studios.
- Residents will be required to donate a piece of their work to CC’s annual gala auction in the spring.
- Residents must complete a successful background check prior to the start of the residency.
Benefits
- Residents receive free furnished housing in a 4 bedroom home just a quick 3-minute drive from Contemporary Craft. Residents will have a private bedroom, shared bathroom, full kitchen, living space, laundry, and parking.
- Residents will receive a $1,200 monthly stipend.
- Residents have access to Contemporary Craft from 9am-9pm daily.
- Residents receive a private studio space as well as access to all of Contemporary Craft’s community studio spaces.
To Apply
Please have the following documents prepared:
Resume (optional)
Artist Statement
Letter of Interest outlining the body of work you hope to complete during your residency
Three professional references
Five photos of your work
Our mission is to engage the public in creative experiences through Contemporary Craft. We strive to create an inclusive environment and encourage artists of all backgrounds to apply.
Deadline and Notification
Application Deadline: January 12, 2026 - 11:59pm
Online Interviews: Late January/Early February
Notification: February 23, 2026